The good life. Gardening in Eden.

Copt Howe boulder-A

Beneath the tree to the left is a group of large boulders of volcanic ash deposited by glaciers at the end of the last ice age. It stands between Great Langdale Beck and the road that leads west to the axe factory at the Pike of Stickle, amongst the Langdale Pikes seen in the distance. On the eastern face of the rock are a complex series of carvings that consist of several groups of concentric rings with some linear grooves and groups of micro-cups.

What is amazing is that despite the fact that the boulder is popular with climbers and the whole area popular with walkers and holiday makers these late Neolithic or Bronze Age carvings were not recognised as such until as recently as 1999.

It is thought that this site was linked in some way with the nearby axe factory; the Langdale Beck valley would have made an easy route eastwards for the transportation of the axe blanks and it could even be the case that the carvings represent a stylised map of the peaks and features of the area.

Stonecircles.org

Phil’s painting of the boulder is currently on display until 6th September at the Lake Artists summer exhibition, at The New Hall, Grasmere.

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2 thoughts on “Copt Howe boulder-A”

Hi both – BBC Radio Cumbria would like to do an interview with you about your garden as part of a series of garden features we are running. My direct line is 01228 640045. Kind regards, Susie. PS I am Anna’s friend who bought a hedgehog teapot and cosie a couple of years ago at the Spirit of the Eden.

Sorry we missed you! We have an open garden event on Saturday 16th September in support of the National Garden Scheme which coincides with C-Art. Phil is exhibiting his work with four other local artists in Armathwaite Old School Hall. Phil and 2 of the artists have had work selected for Cumbrian artist of the year exhibition at Rheged. It would be nice to see you!